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STATE‐DEPENDENT ENERGY ALLOCATION IN VARIABLE ENVIRONMENTS: LIFE HISTORY EVOLUTION OF A ROTIFER
Author(s) -
Shertzer Kyle W.,
Ellner Stephen P.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.1890/0012-9658(2002)083[2181:sdeaiv]2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - rotifer , biology , ecology , maturity (psychological) , life history theory , organism , state dependent , indeterminate growth , starvation , brachionus , life history , economics , psychology , developmental psychology , paleontology , mathematical economics , crop , ideotype , endocrinology
We present a framework for studying the evolution of state‐dependent life history strategies in unpredictable environments. A dynamic energy budget model tracks the flow of energy through individuals and is parameterized using the rotifer species Brachionus calyciflorous . Ingested energy is allocated between new growth, energy reserves, and reproductive effort, in proportions determined by the organism's physiological state, leading to a three‐way trade‐off when food supplies are unpredictable. The model generates testable predictions regarding how variability in food affects optimal allocation strategies. There is selection for indeterminate growth and for norms of reaction in body size, storage, and age at maturity. Harsher environments select for smaller sizes and increased storage and, consequently, greater ability to withstand starvation. The model's predictions about body size, age at maturity, and effects of food deprivation are consistent with experimental results for B. calyciflorous , indicating that these life history traits have all been shaped by evolution of energy allocation and storage strategies in response to environmental variability.